Contemporary American Issues
Ms. Portman

IMMIGRATION, BILINGUAL EDUCATION, HOMELESNESS, HATE CRIME LEGISLATION, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Immigration I
Read the documents that are required to be filled out in order to be given a green card or become an American citizen.
What are the ways in which people can come to this country legally? Should this process be open to anyone who wants to come to this country?

Immigration II
Read “American Must Take Stronger Measures to Halt Illegal Immigration” by Michael Scott and “Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America” by Richard Rayner

Which points do you agree with in each of their arguments? Which points do you disagree with? How much do you think the debate around immigration is really a debate around race?

Bilingual Education
Read “The Origins of Bilingual Education (1960s),” Two Opinions on Bilingual Education, "Bilingual Education Deserves Support" by James J. Lyons, "Schools Should Not Employ Bilingual Education" by Georgie Anne Geyer, and “Bilingual Education Lags for Vietnamese in Texas” by Lena Warmack
Based on these opposing viewpoints, assess the importance of bilingual education. Do you think bilingual education is a help or hindrance for immigrant students? Imagine you moved to another country when you were in middle school and did not know the language, would you want bilingual education as an option?

Homelessness
Read “Federal Government Aid for the Homeless,” “Homelessness is Often Voluntary” by Bob Klug, Homelessness is Not Society’s Problem” by C.J. Carnacchio, “Homelessness is a Serious Problem for Society”, and “Homeless Cleanup Opened to View; SF Stung by Accusations of Callousness” by Ilene Lelchuck,
Based on your experience with homeless people and these articles, what are some solutions you would propose as a way to deal with this very complex problem in our society?

Hate Crimes
Read “Hate Crime Resources- Facts and Figures,” “Hate Crimes Laws Are Necessary,” “Hate Crime Laws Are Unnecessary,” and “What’s So Bad About Hate?” by Andrew Sullivan
Do you think that there should be special legislation against “hate crimes?” Do you agree with Sullivan’s argument that hate crimes are no different than any other murder? What about his ideas about hate in general?

Affirmative Action I
Read “Affirmative Action Creates Reverse Discrimination” by Steven Yates and “Affirmative Action Does Not Create Reverse Discrimination” by Nancy Stein, “How Much Diversity Do You Want From Me?” by Perry Bacon Jr.
What have you heard about regarding the affirmative action debates in politics? Which of these two arguments seems more convincing to you and why?

Affirmative Action II
Read “The New Calculus of Diversity on Campus” by Jacques Steinberg, "Berkeley's New Colors" by Kevin Peraino, “Not All of Them are Pre-Med Violinists” by Jacques Steinberg
" Why are Droves of Unqualified, Unprepared Kids Getting into Our Top Colleges? Because Their Dads Are Alumni" by John Larew, and “How Affirmative Action Helped George W.” by Michael Kinsley
How are Asian-Americans affected by affirmative action policies? If affirmative action is eliminated, will this level the playing field, or cause further problems? Will "preferential treatment" always exist in college admissions (legacies, athletes, big donors)?

Admission Goals of Menlo School
Mrs. Jeffers, Mrs. Schiavenza and Mrs. Emery will be coming to our class to discuss why admitting a diverse student body is a high priority for the admissions department.

Writing Assignment
In order to understand both sides of some of the most controversial issues in our society regarding race/class/gender, you will be required to write a two-part essay on opposing viewpoints. You will choose one question from below and divide your essay into two parts (either side can be presented first). In one part of your essay, you must take a supportive stance and in the other part you must take a challenging stance. You need to cite specific examples to prove your argument.

Immigration Laws: Are American immigration laws just?
Bilingual Education: Does it help or hurt the child's chances for success?
Homelessness: Is it society’s responsibility to take care of homeless people?
Hate Crime Legislation: Is it necessary?
Affirmative Action: Is it still needed in order to achieve social justice and equity?

Your paper should be 4-6 pages typed and double-spaced. I expect you to use the texts we have read in class, as well as at least one outside source for each side. You should cite your sources (with footnotes) and include a works cited page.